Declaring Independence: Creating and Re-creating America’s Document

An exhibition featuring the Albert H. Small Declaration of Independence Collection at the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library

This permanent exhibit offers highlights of the Albert H. Small Declaration of Independence Collection, the most comprehensive collection of letters, documents, and early printings of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibition sheds light on not only the writing and signing of the Declaration, but also on its first printing, distribution across the colonies, and future impact on American history. The collection is on permanent display in the Declaration of Independence Gallery. An accompanying documentary film is available for viewing in the gallery.

About the Donor

Albert H. Small, a native of Washington, D.C., graduated from the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science in 1946. He spent his career in construction and real estate development and is the president of Southern Engineering Corporation. In the 1950s, Mr. Small began collecting rare books and manuscripts, developing a special interest in pieces relating to Thomas Jefferson, the University, and American history. He presented his extraordinary Declaration of Independence Collection to the University of Virginia beginning in 1999. Longtime supporters of the University and the Library, Mr. and Mrs. Small made a substantial gift toward the construction of the new Special Collections library to insure the continued preservation and accessibility of the University's treasured rare book and manuscript collections.

About the Exhibition

"Declaring Independence: Creating and Recreating America's Document" is on display in the Declaration of Independence Gallery at the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library. A documentary film about the Declaration of Independence, its signers, and highlights of the collection is shown continuously in the gallery. For hours and information, call 434-243-1776.